(Greek) The Greek symbol of the sexual force, the equivalent of the Hindu Shiva or Christian Holy Spirit. He was represented as a creative and powerful craftsman who worked in the depths of Earth at a fiery forge. He was known by the Romans as Vulcan. [See Vulcan].
"Strong, mighty Hephaistos, bearing splendid light, unwearied fire, with flaming torrents bright : strong-handed, deathless, and of art divine, pure element, a portion of the world is thine : all-taming artist, all-diffusive power, ‘tis thine, supreme, all substance to devour : aither, sun, moon, and stars, light pure and clear, for these thy lucid parts [of fire] to men appear. To thee all dwellings, cities, tribes belong, diffused through mortal bodies, rich and strong. Hear, blessed power, to holy rites incline, and all propitious on the incense shine : suppress the rage of fire’s unwearied frame, and still preserve our nature’s vital flame." - Orphic Hymn 66 to Hephaestus (3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.)
